The Branch, written by Mireille Messier and illustrated by Pierre Pratt, came in the mail today. Reading it reminded me of a beloved pecan tree I climbed countless times in Stephenville, Texas. My brothers and I built pulley systems to deliver items to the climber at the top of the tree.. The tree was a source of endless play transporting us to make believe lands. It empowered us to be creative and do the work of children- play! The story’s main character loves a tree which has offered her the same inspiration my pecan tree offered me as a child. Her heartbreak begins when an ice storm claims her favorite branch. Through her heartbreak, she finds friendship, collaboration, and possibilities. The story honors the bond children have with their natural world and their ability to see potential in the smallest of things to add richness to the world of play.
As a teacher, I see so many possibilities with The Branch. It contains a small moment. Small moments are about one time/one place. Helping children find small moments that are meaningful to them opens writing up to emotion and voice. Following the small moment is a series of “how to” vignette pictures labeled with brief sentences. This combination coupled with Pratt’s rich, simplistic illustrations makes the book a perfect mentor text as you approach integrating small moments with a “How To” feature.
Mentor Text Ideas: Small Moments, How To Features, Vignette illustrations
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